The Fiji Police Force is urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior to Crime Stoppers or local command centers. Assistant Police Commissioner for Crime, Mesake Waqa, stated that the country is currently facing a rise in aggravated robberies and burglaries.
“We confirm the increase in crimes, including aggravated robbery and burglary,” ACP Waqa noted. Recently, on August 16, the High Court in Lautoka sentenced three men to a combined 25-year prison term for a violent home invasion.
In her judgment, Justice Aruna Aluthge highlighted the alarming increase in property-related crimes and emphasized the need to protect the community from such offenders. ACP Waqa acknowledged the judiciary’s concerns raised by this recent sentencing.
“Severe sentences and swift court proceedings will convey a clear message to the community, especially to offenders and habitual criminals,” he stated.
To tackle the crime surge, ACP Waqa mentioned that police visibility in high-risk areas, community policing through awareness initiatives, thorough investigations, and monitoring of illegal traders and second-hand dealers will be key strategies.